An Opposition To Stevenson Candidacy

September 04, 1985|By Jack Korshak.

EVANSTON — If our Democratic leadership had asked Ronald Reagan to pick the Democratic candidate to oppose Gov. Jim Thompson, Adlai Stevenson III would be first choice. He has every qualification. First, he is a born loser. Second, Stevenson`s claim to Wimpdom is unchallenged. Once in office, as we well remember, he ascends to some remote cloud and contemplates his navel, assuming the location is known to him or pointed out by his aides.

A leader? It was once noted sadly that if he gave a fireside talk the fire would go out.

In office he is inaccessible, unresponsive, unoriginal. But not to worry. Nominating Stevenson is Thompson`s ticket to a fourth term.

Isn`t it maddening? Do we Democrats have an instinct for self-destruction? Must we reach down to the bottom drawer to drag out and dust off such a one-dimensional candidate? If his name were not Stevenson, would he be noted in even a small gathering?

We don`t need a hollow shell. We need a vigorous, challenging, inspiring person. There are such available. There`s even a Stevenson who would fill the bill. Her name is Nancy.